Fall Fun in Western Kentucky

Soon the leaves will be changes colors, the smell of fall will be in the air, and before you know it, decorations will be coming out of storage as everyone begins to prepare for Christmas. However, there's more to fall than the changing of the seasons, gifts, decorations, untangling lights and family gatherings, it's also a great time for you and the family to enjoy some fall fun. If you reside in Western Kentucky, or if you're planning a trip to the Western Kentucky area, keep reading to discover all of the fall fun Western Kentucky has to offer.

Have you ever worked through a maze on paper? Were you good at finding your way to the finish line? Test your maze skills off paper at the Corn Crop Human Maze event held every Saturday night and on Halloween night (5:00pm - 10:00pm CST).

At the Corn Crop Human Maze (beside Murray State University in Hopkinsville), you can attempt to find your way through six acres of 10 feet tall corn stalks that twists and turns for two miles. The occasion also includes activities, drawings and giveaways. For more information call 270-887-4290.

Beginning on September 26 Owensboro will celebrate fall with their annual Pumpkin Fest. The Western Kentucky town has loads of fall fun planned: games for the children, carnival rides, raffles, classic car show, pumpkin sales, musical entertainment, pumpkin smashing and so much more. To find out more, visit the Owensboro Pumpkin Fest Web site.

The small community of Hazel in Western Kentucky will host its 18th Annual Hazel Day Celebration. The Hazel Day Celebration is held to commemorate their past and present. While there, you can view old photographs and memorabilia. Furthermore, there will be pumpkin painting for the kids, an old-fashioned cakewalk, antique tractor display, quilt auction, musical entertainment, arts and craft booths, train rides for the kids, a parade, sorghum milling and more! The fall fun begins Saturday, September 9, 2007.

The Aurora Country Festival takes places on the Kentucky Lake in Aurora. The festival starts on Friday, October 5 and ends on Sunday, October 7. Your family can enjoy some fall fun with sorghum squeezing, vendors, a parade, free entertainment, juried crafts and more.

For many years Trigg County has been known for their country hams, and on October 20 -22, 1977 they decided to hold their first annual Trigg County Country Ham Festival. Because the festival was successful and has grown over the years, Trigg County continues to hold this annual event.

This year's Trigg County Country Ham Festival will commence October 12 and come to an end on October 14. You can enjoy a petting zoo, vendors, food, rides and much more. Oh yes, we can't forget the delicious ham. Therefore, before you leave be sure to sample the ham that the county is well-known for. For more information about the festival -- including the festival's history -- visit the the Trigg County Country Ham Festival Web site.

On October 20 is the Little Spooky Spooks festival at Kenlake State Resort. Dress in your spookiest costume and head for Kenlake State Resort for some frightening fall fun. There will be spooky animals, a storyteller spinning scary tales, candy and refreshments. In addition to all this, your family can also create a unique craft. Everyone is welcome, and the cost is only $3.00 per person. For additional information, phone 800-325-0143.

What does fall bring to mind? Hayrides, of course! At the Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park in Burkesville, you and your family can experience an old-fashioned fall hayride. In addition to the hayride, other festivities will include trick-or-treating, a free live animal program, and a costume contest. All of this fall fun takes place on October 28. The hayride will begin at 5:30pm and will cost $3.00 per person; children three and under are free. For more information, phone 800-325-2282.

At last, does your family get a feeling of excitement when they think about haunted houses? Then you should definitely mark your calendars for a couple of the haunted house adventures in the Western Kentucky area!

ScreamFest 2007 is sure to scare the pants off you -- if you don't wet them first. The location is in Paducah at Talon Falls Haunted Screampark. If you survive the Screampark and think you can handle more, try the Dead End Haunted House located on I-24, exit 7. To visit both the Screampark and the Dead End Haunted House the ticket price will be $25, but bring a Hardee's ScreamFest coupon and you'll get $5.00 off. Portions of the proceeds go to benefit the West Kentucky Crime Stoppers, Child Watch, and West Kentucky Community and Technical College Scholarship fund. This years theme: "Haunted Homecoming" -- school is in session.

For dates, times, pictures, directions and other information, visit the ScreamFest Web site.

Looking for a more original haunt with monsters? Every weekend, starting in October, Oller's Oddities, located on Mildred Street in Paducah (4 blocks from Noble Park), will give you that haunting amusement. Proceeds go to benefit Western Kentucky Easterseals Center. The haunted fall fun will begin at 7:00pm Central time. Tickets are sold at the door.

That brings to an end the fall fun that awaits you in the Western Kentucky area. If there's an area you would like me to cover, let me know the area by posting your comment and I'll do my best to cover it for you. Have fun and dress for the weather!